1) I often preffered to stay at home writing code than going out with people i wasn't interest in, I started with RPG Maker when i was about 15, then kept reading programs, trying stuff, no books or courses.
2) about 8 years ago with rpg maker xp. after that vb 6 and php
2) about 8 years ago with rpg maker xp. after that vb 6 and php
3) I left italy and found a developer job.